Safety Tips for a Trouble-Free Trip to Costa Rica
Arm yourself with indispensable insights from fellow explorers, safeguarding your journey from unexpected situations.
It’s finally here: the day you’ve eagerly awaited, the day you meticulously planned as the start of your vacation or “workation”. Well-deserved and eagerly anticipated, your trip to Costa Rica is finally unfolding. With the intention of having a remarkable life experience, you embark on this journey, filled with excitement for the adventures that await.
Upon your arrival in Costa Rica, you may notice that English is not widely spoken. The change in weather might also catch your attention, especially if you arrive during a time of heavy rain. After passing through customs and stepping out into the country, you may find yourself at the beach within an hour or two, depending on your airport of arrival.
While the serenity of the natural surroundings and the pristine beaches may leave you in awe, the euphoria can be short-lived if you suddenly discover that your personal belongings have been stolen. What initially promised to be an unforgettable experience has suddenly turned into a nightmare.
Though the preceding narrative is fictional, such incidents have occurred to some foreign travelers. At CR Nomads, we deeply care about your experience and wish to offer recommendations to help you avoid unfortunate situations while exploring our beautiful country.
How Does Costa Rica Compare To Other Countries?
Despite experiencing a slight deterioration in score, Costa Rica remains the most peaceful country in Central America, and is ranked 58th overall in the 2024 GPI.
For more up-to-date detail, it is also useful to check the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory updates for Costa Rica.
Be Vigilant With Your Personal Belongings:
Please refrain from leaving valuable items such as laptop computers, cell phones, tablets, cameras, wallets, and passports in your rented car. While Costa Rica is generally a safe destination, it doesn’t eliminate the risk of theft.
In some isolated tourist areas, opportunistic thieves may be waiting for an opportunity. If you don’t require these possessions when heading out, it’s best not to bring them along. If possible, always keep them with you or secure them in a location where they are not easily accessible.
Do Not Trust Everybody – Be Cautious:
While Costa Ricans are renowned for their warmth and friendliness, it’s vital to exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar individuals, as you would in any other part of the world. Avoid disclosing personal information, especially with “pushy” people you’ve just met and are suspiciously eager to engage in conversation.
Be wary when accepting unusual offers of assistance, as seemingly well-intentioned individuals may not always have your best interests in mind. Trust your instincts, and if something doesn’t feel right, heed your gut feeling. Additionally, strive to establish genuine trust with locals, as these connections can prove invaluable in case you encounter problems during a longer stay.
Research Your Planned Accommodation Area:
Not all parts of Costa Rica are equally developed, and when it comes to accommodations, there’s a wide range of options, from luxurious resorts to more modest and affordable locations.
We understand that many North Americans have certain expectations regarding accommodation standards. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some areas may not be as upscale as you anticipate. When staying in rural parts of the country, explore the surroundings and assess the environment before finalizing your decision.
Make Informed, Rational Decisions:
When renting vehicles, properties, or other items, avoid making hasty, emotional decisions. Research and gather information about your purchases, ensuring that you’re well-informed about the products or services you’re acquiring.
What may initially appear to be an excellent deal could turn into a source of frustration in the long run. It’s always recommended to work with reputable companies or agencies that can provide you with comprehensive information and guidance regarding your purchases—that is a cornerstone of our mission at CR Nomads.
Particularly in Costa Rica’s bigger beach towns, and much like in other beach destinations frequented by tourists throughout the world, illicit services are often offered to visitors. We strongly recommend you always use your better judgment, and exercise a high amount of caution at all times.
What to Do in Case of Theft or Adverse Situations:
The best way to deal with problems in Costa Rica is to prevent them in the first place. However, if issues do arise, it’s always best to contact public authorities for assistance, and don’t hesitate to ask for help to do so.
If you’re not staying at a place where local staff can help you out, seeking guidance from an English-speaking legal service can be very useful in case of an unforeseen event.
While not all problems lead to immediate resolutions or the apprehension of thieves, the Costa Rican legal system offers potential solutions.
In the event of theft, ask for assistance to report the incident to the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) or the local police.
If you encounter a situation that entails potential danger or personal injury, seek help from the local Municipality. In these types of cases, it is recommended to file a formal claim or “denuncia” to ensure prompt action.
Safety Tips When Using Transportation
Rental Cars:
- Drive cautiously: Roads can be narrow, winding, or poorly marked. Watch for unexpected obstacles like potholes, animals, or pedestrians.
- Secure belongings: Never leave valuables visible in your car. Always lock the doors.
- Save offline GPS maps: Cellular signals can be weak in remote areas, so offline navigation apps or physical maps can help.
- Insurance: Ensure your rental includes sufficient coverage for accidents or theft.
Public Buses:
- Be vigilant with belongings: Keep your bags close and in sight, especially on long-distance buses.
- Avoid crowded routes: Pickpocketing can happen in crowded urban buses.
- Check the schedules: Bus routes to remote areas may run infrequently, so plan ahead.
Taxis:
- Use official taxis: Look for red taxis with a yellow triangle or use reputable ride-hailing apps like Uber.
- Confirm fares: Ensure the meter (“maría”) is running or agree on a price before starting the ride.
- Avoid unofficial taxis: They may lack regulation or safety assurances.
Motorbikes or ATVs:
- Always wear a helmet: It’s mandatory and essential for safety.
- Drive defensively: Roads can be challenging, and other drivers may not be mindful of motorbikes.
- Check conditions: Avoid riding during heavy rains or at night in rural areas.
Bicycles:
- Stick to daytime rides: Visibility is better, and it’s safer than riding after dark.
- Wear reflective gear: Be visible to vehicles, especially on roads without bike lanes.
Walking:
- Stay alert: Sidewalks are not always available, and traffic may not stop for pedestrians.
- Avoid isolated areas: Stick to well-lit and busy streets, especially at night.
- Be mindful of wildlife: In rural areas, snakes and other animals can be a hazard.
Additional Safety Tips While In Costa Rica
- Pack a first-aid kit: Include pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, band-aids, and antiseptic cream.
- Know nearby clinics: Familiarize yourself with medical facilities near your destination; Costa Rica has a good healthcare system.
- Travel insurance: Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies and evacuation (check out our recommended plans).
- Be cautious when swimming: Currents in the water at many beaches are strong, so look out for warning signs about rip currents or contamination.
- Drink bottled or filtered water: In most urban areas, tap water is safe, but stick to bottled water in rural areas or to be cautious.
- Wash produce: Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly, especially if eating them raw.
- Eat at reputable places: Choose clean, busy restaurants to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Use insect repellent: Apply one with DEET or picaridin, especially in areas where dengue, chikungunya, or zika are present.
- Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves and pants can help reduce bites in the evening or early morning.
- Stay in screened or air-conditioned accommodations: This minimizes mosquito exposure at night.
- Ensure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccinations: It helps to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A (food or waterborne risks), typhoid (recommended if traveling to rural areas or trying local street food), yellow fever (required only if coming from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission).
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially when engaging in outdoor activities.
- Use sunscreen: The tropical sun can cause burns quickly; use SPF 30 or higher.
- Beware of snakes and insects: Wear boots or closed-toed shoes when hiking.
- Avoid touching wildlife: Some animals carry diseases like rabies.
- Check for ticks: After outdoor activities, inspect your skin to prevent tick-borne illnesses.
In conclusion, this article aims to provide honest insights into potential challenges you may face while in Costa Rica. While these incidents are not an everyday occurrence, they can happen.
As native Costa Ricans that regularly interact with foreign visitors, we have heard about or even experienced such situations, and we hope to prevent them from happening to you.
By considering and following these recommendations, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to our beautiful country. Be safe and savor every moment of your Costa Rican adventure!
